Water soluble wetting agent for pesticide formulations

ABSTRACT

A water based wetting agent uses higher alkyl substituted lactam, anionic surfactant and water to enhance the wetting properties of herbicide and pesticide formulations. The composition is effective in enhancing wetting times, and in some instances increases the formulation effectiveness through enhanced contact, better penetration and lower surface tension. Utilizing a herbicide or pesticide formulation including the wetting agent provides a fast absorption of actives with rapid uptake to promote weed control with no or minimal phytotoxicity at the use levels.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/920,082, filed Jul.27, 1992, abandoned.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to wetting agents for pesticide and herbicideformulations and more particularly to water soluble wetting agentscontaining higher alkyl pyrrolidone, an ionic surfactant and water;optionally lower alkyl pyrrolidone and water soluble film formingpolymer are included.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wetting agents are an important part of pesticide and herbicideformulations, as they assure uniform dispersion and proper functioningof the active formulation ingredients. For example, plant surfaces aretypically hydrophobic and resist wetting by aqueous sprays, therebyreducing the ability to deposit pesticides and herbicides. For maximumefficacy, wetting of the leaf must be improved by using wetting agents.

Many different products are available for use as wetting agents, in thegeneral classes of anionic, cationic and non-ionic. That there are somany different products available illustrates the diversity of chemistryand tendency for certain surfactant/formulation combinations to beoptimum, yielding improved activity as opposed to other surfactantscombined with the same formulation. Also, specific interactions of thechosen wetting agent with the selected active ingredients can result invery divergent responses. Determining the best wetting agent can bequite difficult when all interactions are considered.

The selection of an appropriate wetting agent and whether it would beacceptable may turn on the concentration necessary to obtain a certainrequired wetting effectiveness, and thus the cost for providing thewetting agent in the formulation. Consequently, the search continues foreconomical wetting agents, usable at low concentrations which provideenhanced pesticide activity via enhanced wetting effectiveness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a wetting agentwhich is water soluble for use in applying aqueous pesticideseffectively.

It is a further object to provide a water soluble wetting agent whichhas high effectiveness at low concentrations.

It is yet another object to provide a wetting agent which provides forrapid uptake to promote rain fastness.

It is yet another object to provide a wetting agent which enhances thepromotion of stomatal infiltration with no or minimal phytotoxicity.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention areachieved by providing a water soluble wetting agent for pesticide andherbicide formulations comprising 0.01 to 90% by weight higher alkyllactam, 0.01 to 24% anionic surfactant and water. An especiallypreferred embodiment utilizes a homogenous aqueous solution containing55% N-octyl-2-pyrrolidone, 14% sodium dodecyl sulfate, and water whichcan be diluted further to any concentration at less than or equal to 15%of the formulation.

It has been found that in the prescribed combination, the higher alkyllactam remains soluble, no phase separation occurring. Thus, the wettingagent is uniformly disbursed in the required formulation, providingenhanced effectiveness and wetting ability at low cost. In addition, theinventive wetting agent is totally biodegradable, avoiding aromaticcomponents, ethylene oxide residuals or phosphates.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The wetting agent of the present invention contains one or more higheralkyl substituted lactams, an anionic surfactant and water. For purposesof this disclosure the term "higher alkyl" refers to C₆ alkyl or higherand the term "lactams" is inclusive of caprolactam, valerolactam andpyrrolidone. The lactams as shown in formula I may be used in theinvention. ##STR1## Where m=3,4 or 5 and n≦6.

Preferably, the higher alkyl pyrrolidones of formula II are used.##STR2## Where n=6-20, R', R" and R'" are H, lower alkyl, alkoxy,cycloalkyl, or aralkyl.

Most preferred are N-octyl-pyrrolidone, N-dodecylpyrrolidone or mixturesthereof.

As the anionic surfactant, alkali metal salts of C₈ -C₂₂ aliphaticsurfactants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate, sulfonate, alkali metalsalts of alkyl aromatic sulfonates, sulfates, ethoxylated versions ofthe above, alkylphenyl ethoxylated phosphate esters, etc., may be used.The anionic surfactants may form pseudo salts or ion pairs with thehigher-alkyl pyrrolidones, and are believed to produce synergisticeffects on wetting and surface spreading.

The ranges of the various components may be 0.01 to 90% cyclic lactam,0.01 to 24% anionic surfactant and water. Preferably, 35 to 65% cycliclactam, 8 to 16% surfactant and water are used. More preferred is acombination of 39 to 55% higher alkyl pyrrolidone, 10 to 14% surfactant,preferably, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and water. When used as aconcentrate, the concentrate can be added to a commercial formulation atthe rate of 0.1% to 0.5%.

A particular advantage of the invention is that the cyclic lactamspromote solubility of the active ingredients in the formulationincreasing uniformity in application together with enhanced wetting. Theuse of such materials as wetting agents in aqueous compositions wouldnot be expected due to the perceived propensity for phase separation.However, the inventive formulation, utilizing an anionic surfactant withthe cyclic lactam, precludes this from occurring.

Various tests were conducted to confirm the efficacy of utilizing theabove referenced wetting agent in a pesticide or herbicide formulation.

EXPERIMENT. NO. 1

                                      TABLE I                                     __________________________________________________________________________    SA1       SA2.sup.1                                                                         SS1 SS2 Modified SA1                                                                         Modified SA2                                                                         Modified SS2                              __________________________________________________________________________    N-dodecyl                                                                           53.7                                                                              40.3                                                                              52.63                                                                             51.02                                                                             33.7   20.22  20.0                                      pyrroli-                                                                      done                                                                          N-octyl                                                                             --  13.4                                                                              --  --  0      13.15  13.0                                      pyrroli-                                                                      done                                                                          N-Methyl              20.0   20.22  20.0                                      pyrroli-                                                                      done                                                                          Sodium                                                                              13.4                                                                              13.4                                                                              13.14                                                                             12.73                                                                             13.4   13.45  13.0                                      Dodecyl                                                                       sulfate                                                                       Vinyl --  --  2.0 --  0      0       0.0                                      Pyrroli-                                                                      done/                                                                         vinyl                                                                         acetate                                                                       copoly-                                                                       mer                                                                           Polyvinyl                                                                           --  --  --  5. 0                                                                              0      0       1.10                                     pyrolli-                                                                      done/                                                                         butene                                                                        H.sub.2 O                                                                           32.9                                                                              32.9                                                                              32.24                                                                             31.26                                                                             32.9   32.96   32.90                                    TOTAL 100.0                                                                             100.0                                                                             100.0                                                                             100.0                                                                             100.0  100.0  100.0                                     __________________________________________________________________________     .sup.1 Separated into two layers on storage, however becomes misable or       homogeneous on mild mixing. To be mixed before use, see Modified SA2 for      completely single phase system.                                          

Referring to Table I, various wetting agent compositions were preparedas described, with the amount given by weight. These were used withvarious herbicides to determine the efficacy for weed control. To assurehomogeneity, it is advantageous to add an optional solvent to thewetting compositions. For example, N-methyl pyrollidone, added to SA1,SA2, and SS2 prevented any tendency to phase separation on standing. Thesolvent additionally enhanced surface penetration and lowered surfacetension which assists in promoting herbicide effectiveness. Otheroptional ingredients may be added to adjust properties of the inventivewetting agent. For example, other surfactants in addition to the anionicsurfactant could be used.

In the first test, SA1 and SA2 were used with two different herbicidesin various concentrations. Also, these same herbicides were combinedwith two known wetting agents, INDUCE, manufactured by Helena ChemicalCompany which is a mixture of alkylpolyoxyalkane ether, free fatty acidsand isopropyl alcohol 90%, constituents ineffective as adjuvants at 10%and also Ortho X-77 which is a blend of alkyl arylpolyoxyethylene glycoland free fatty acids. The herbicides chosen for testing were a systemicherbicide, fluazifop-p-butyl (FUSILADE) butyl2-[4-(5-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridyloxy) phenoxy]propionate and a contactherbicide, glufosinate (IGNITE) ammonium(3-amino-3-carboxypropyl)-methylphosphinate. Details of the testmaterial concentrations, and application rates are shown in Table II.

                                      TABLE II                                    __________________________________________________________________________    COMMERCIAL ADJUVANTS                                                          FORMULATIONS                                                                            TABLE                                                                              INGREDIENTS   CONC.                                                                              RATES USED                                  __________________________________________________________________________    Induce    III, Alkylpolyoxy alkane                                                                         90%  0,                                          (Helena)  IV   ethers, free fatty 0.0625%                                                    acids and isopropyl                                                                              v/v,                                                       alcohol            0.125%                                                                        v/v,                                                       inert ingredients.                                                                          10%  0.25%                                       Ortho X77*                                                                              III, Alkylaryl     90%  v/v; 20                                     (Valent)  IV   polyoxyethylene    gal per                                                    glycols free fatty acre                                                       acids and Isopropyl alcohol                                                   inert ingredients                                                                           10%                                              Complex   VI,  Alkylpoly     16.6%                                                                              0,                                          (Riverside)                                                                             VII  oxyethylene ethers,                                                                              0.0625%                                                    Polymerized resins v/v,                                                       and fatty acids    0.125%                                                     reacted amines                                                                              5.2% 0.25%                                                      aromatic petroleum                                                                          4.9% v/v; 20                                                    solvents           gal per                                                    inert solvents                                                                              72.3%                                                                              acre                                        Activate Plus                                                                           --   Alkyl aryl poly                                                                             90%  0, 0.1,                                     (Riverside)    oxyethylene glycols                                                                              0.2,                                                       free fatty acids,  0.5%                                                       Isopropyc alcohol  v/v                                                        inert ingredients                                                                           10%                                              Ply       --   Modified poly-p-                                                                            85%  0, 0.5%                                     (Riverside)    methene            v/v                                                        aliphatic amines                                                                            5%                                                              inert ingredients                                                                           10%                                              Silicone  --   Nonylphenoxy  25%  0, 0.5,                                     (CMR Inc.)     polyethoxy ethanol 1.15%                                                      polydimethyl                                                                  siloxane                                                                      inert ingredients                                                                           75%                                              __________________________________________________________________________     *When Ortho X77 was used for evaluation of other low volume herbicides        such as Reflex,use rate of adjuvants were 0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2% v/v.     

                  TABLE III                                                       ______________________________________                                                        DAYS AFTER                                                                    TREATMENT                                                                     CONTROL %                                                     Treatments:       3      7      21   42   63                                  ______________________________________                                        1.  SA1 0.25%          0      0    0    0    0                                2.  SA2 0.25%          0      0    0    0    0                                3.  Induce 0.25%       0      0    0    0    0                                4.  Ortho X-77 0.25%   0      0    0    0    0                                5.  Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A                                                                         30     40   50   60   55                                6.  Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       30     50   75   80   75                                    SA1 0.0625%                                                               7.  Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       40     80   100  100  90                                    SA1 0.125%                                                                8.  Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       45     85   100  100  90                                    SA1 0.25%                                                                 9.  Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       30     45   65   70   60                                    SA2 0.0625%                                                               10. Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       35     50   75   80   75                                    SA2 0.125%                                                                11. Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       40     50   75   80   75                                    SA2 0.25%                                                                 12. Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       30     45   65   65   50                                    Induce 0.0625%                                                            13. Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       35     50   65   70   60                                    Induce 0.125%                                                             14. Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       40     55   70   70   60                                    Induce 0.25%                                                              15. Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       35     45   60   65   50                                    Ortho X-77 + 0.0625%                                                      16. Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       40     60   70   70   60                                    Ortho X-77 + 0.125%                                                       17. Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       40     65   70   70   60                                    Ortho X-77 + 0.25%                                                        18. Fluazifop-p-butyl 0.25 lb                                                                        5     30   50   50   50                                    ai/A                                                                      19. Fluazifop-p-butyl 0.25 lb                                                                        5     45   55   60   60                                    ai/A + SA1 0.0625%                                                        20. Fluazifop-p-butyl 0.25 lb                                                                        5     55   75   85   8                                     ai/A + SA1 0.125%                                                         21. Fluazifop-p-butyl 0.25 lb                                                                        5     60   75   85   85                                    ai/A + SA1 0.25%                                                          22. Fluazifop-p-butyl 0.25 lb                                                                        5     40   50   55   55                                    ai/A + SA2 0.0625%                                                        23. Fluazifop-p-butyl 0.25 lb                                                                        5     50   60   65   65                                    ai/A + SA2 0.125%                                                         24. Fluazifop-p-butyl 0.25 lb                                                                        5     50   60   65   65                                    ai/A + SA2 0.25%                                                          25. Fluazifop-p-butyl 0.25 lb                                                                        5     40   50   55   55                                    ai/A + Induce 0.0625%                                                     26. Fluazifop-p-butyl 0.25 lb                                                                        5     45   55   60   60                                    ai/A + Induce 0.125%                                                      27. Fluazifop-p-butyl 0.25 lb                                                                        5     45   55   60   60                                    ai/A + Induce 0.25%                                                       28. Fluazifop-p-butyl 0.25 lb                                                                        5     45   50   55   55                                    ai/A + Ortho X-77 0.0625%                                                 29. Fluazifop-p-butyl 0.25 lb                                                                        5     50   60   65   65                                    ai/A + Ortho X-77 0.125%                                                  30. Fluazifop-p-butyl 0.25 lb                                                                        5     50   60   65   65                                    ai/A + Ortho X-77 0.25%                                                   31. Untreated control  0      0    0    0    0                                ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE IV                                                        ______________________________________                                                        DAYS AFTER                                                                    TREATMENT                                                                     CONTROL %                                                     Treatments:       3      7      21   42   63                                  ______________________________________                                        1.  SA1 0.25%          0      0    0    0    0                                2.  SA2 0.25%          0      0    0    0    0                                3.  Induce 0.25%       0      0    0    0    0                                4.  Ortho X-77 0.25%   0      0    0    0    0                                5.  Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A                                                                         40     50   60   55   40                                6.  Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       50     75   80   75   70                                    SA1 0.0625%                                                               7.  Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       60     90   100  90   90                                    SA1 0.125%                                                                8.  Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       60     90   100  90   90                                    SA1 0.25%                                                                 9.  Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       45     60   70   65   60                                    SA2 0.0625%                                                               10. Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       50     80   90   85   75                                    SA2 0.125%                                                                11. Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       50     80   90   85   75                                    SA2 0.25%                                                                 12. Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       50     70   75   70   60                                    Induce 0.0625%                                                            13. Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       60     80   85   80   70                                    Induce 0.125%                                                             14. Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       60     80   90   85   70                                    Induce 0.25%                                                              15. Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       50     70   75   70   60                                    Ortho X-77 + 0.0625%                                                      16. Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       60     80   85   80   70                                    Ortho X-77 + 0.125%                                                       17. Glufosinate 0.5 lb ai/A +                                                                       60     80   100  90   85                                    Ortho X-77 + 0.25%                                                        31. Untreated control  0      0    0    0    0                                ______________________________________                                    

The results of the test are shown in Table III for testing on Bahiagrass and Table IV for Broadleaf weed control. The control percent isidentified under the columns signifying the number of days into the testperiod, i.e., after 3, 7, 21, 42 or 63 days. Broadleaf weeds includecamphor weed, florida pusley, jerusalem oak, lambsquarters, pigweed,spanish needles and tea weed. For conditions of field evaluation seedate summarized in Table V.

                  TABLE V                                                         ______________________________________                                        Weather           clear                                                       Humidity          50%                                                         Wind velocity     calm                                                        Water source      well                                                        pH                7.1                                                         Volume of spray   20 CPA - gallons per acre                                   Spray pressure    35 psi                                                      Source of pressure                                                                              compressed air                                              Nozzle type/size  Teejet tips 8001                                            Nozzle spacing    10 inches                                                   Type of spayer    Tractor mounted boom                                                          sprayer                                                     Tractor speed     2.73 mph                                                    Plot size         45 × 10 ft.                                           No. of treatments 31                                                          No. of replications                                                                             3                                                           Total No. of plots                                                                              93                                                          Stage of weed growth                                                                            4-6" high                                                   Major weeds       Broadleaf weeds:                                                              camphor weeks                                                                 Florida pusley                                                                Jerusalem oak                                                                 lambsquarters                                                                 pigweed                                                                       Spanish needles                                                               tea weed                                                    ______________________________________                                         The application was carried out in one day from 8 am to 5 pm.            

Table III shows the number of days of treatment of Bahia grass. Thefirst four tests indicate treatment with the wetting agents alone, thenext test being an application of Ignite without any wetting agent.Tests 6 through 11 show the results with the inventive wetting agentsSA1 and SA2. Tests 12 through 17 are comparative examples.

From the listed results, it is clear that the inventive compositions areat least as effective and in many instances more effective than, thecomparative wetting agents.

Test 18 utilized fusilade alone, with tests 19 through 24 incorporatingthe inventive wetting agent in various concentrations. Tests 25 through30 are comparative examples. Again the results establish that theinventive wetting agent is at least as effective, and in some instancesmore effective than, the comparative wetting agents.

Table IV shows similar results in testing for Broadleaf control and itis evident from the results that in many instances where Ignite was theherbicide of choice, the inventive wetting agents were comparable to orincreased the effectiveness of the formulation. Fusilade, being asystemic herbicide, was not effective on Broadleaf weeds, regardless ofthe wetting agent used.

The results of Experiment 1 show that none of the wetting agents werephytotoxic to any weed species present in the experimental field. SA1was slightly more effective than SA2 with both Ignite and Fusilande.Both were superior at concentrations of 0.25% over 0.0625% and 0.125%.The test species chosen in Table III, the Bahia grass, is a perennialgrass and maximum control with Ignite was achieved 21 days aftertreatment and was maintained up to 42 days at which time regrowth andcontrol percent dropped. Fusilade provided maximum control at 85% butmaintained up to 63 days which is to be expected since this is asystemic herbicide.

The results shown in Table IV for Broadleaf weeds, show that there wasno activity for fusilade on the Broadleafs. On the other hand, Igniteprovided up to 100% control of Broadleaf weeds within 21 days afterspraying. Since it is a contact herbicide, it kills weeds present onlyat the time of spraying. New weeds emerged later and control percentlater dropped. The results clearly show that the inventive wettingagents, are at least as effective, and slightly more effective inpromoting enhanced activity of the formulated herbicide than thecomparative compounds.

EXPERIMENT 2

In this experiment, the inventive formulations SS1 and SS2 additionallyincluded a sticking agent to enhance sticking of the herbicideformulation to the targeted organism. The sticking agents are preferablywater soluble film forming agents, which are typically water solublepolymers such as vinyl pyrollidone/vinyl acetate copolymer 60:40, VP:VA,having a weight average molecular weight of 50,000, or a graftedcopolymer such as polyvinyl pyrollidone containing 10% by weight butene.Of course, other sticking agents could also be used. In theseexperiments, phosphonomethyl glycine as its isopropyl amine salt,Glyphosate (Roundup) and Paraquat (Gramoxone) 1:1-Dimethyl-4,4'bipyridinium dichloride, a contact herbicide, were the selected activeformulation ingredients. These same herbicides were combined with aknown wetting agent, COMPLEX, containing alkylpolyoxyethylene ethers,polymerized resins and fatty acids 16.6%, reacted amines 5.2%, aromaticpetroleum solvent 4.9%, inert ingredients 72.3%, manufactured byRiverside Chemical Co. The results are shown in Tables VI and VII. Theevaluation of the formulations used on Bahia grass are shown in Table VIand on Broadleaf weeds in Table VII.

In Table VI, the first four tests indicate treatment with the wettingagents alone, the next test being an application of Roundup without anywetting agent. Tests 5 through 10 show the results with the inventivewetting/sticking agents SS1 and SS2. Tests 11 through 13 are comparativeexamples.

Test 14 utilized Paraquat without any wetting agent, tests 15 through 20show the results with the inventive wetting agents and tests 21 through23 were comparative examples.

Table VII shows similar results for Broadleaf weed control and it isevident that in many instances, the inventive wetting agent wascomparable to the commercial wetting agents and in some instancesincreased herbicidal effectiveness.

                  TABLE VI                                                        ______________________________________                                                        DAYS AFTER                                                                    TREATMENT                                                                     CONTROL %                                                     Treatments:       3      7      21   42   63                                  ______________________________________                                        1.  SS1 0.25%          0      0    0    0    0                                2.  SS2 0.25%          0      0    0    0    0                                4.  Complex 0.25%      0      0    0    0    0                                5.  Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A                                                                           5     25   50   40   25                                6.  Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A                                                                           5     30   80   55   50                                    SS1 0.0625%                                                               7.  Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A +                                                                         5     30   90   65   60                                    SS1 0.125%                                                                8.  Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A +                                                                         5     50   100  80   90                                    SS1 0.25%                                                                 9.  Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A +                                                                         5     25   80   50   40                                    SS2 0.0625%                                                               10. Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A +                                                                         5     25   80   60   50                                    SS2 0.125%                                                                11. Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A +                                                                         5     40   100  80   90                                    SS2 0.25%                                                                 15. Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A +                                                                         5     25   60   40   25                                    Complex 0.0625%                                                           16. Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A +                                                                         5     25   70   40   25                                    Complex 0.125%                                                            17. Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A +                                                                         5     30   90   60   80                                    Complex 0.25%                                                             18. Paraquat 0.625 lb ai/A                                                                          50     50   40   30   10                                19. Paraquat 0.625 lb ai/A +                                                                        70     70   60   40   10                                    SS1 0.0625%                                                               20. Paraquat 0.625 lb ai/A +                                                                        90     90   80   60   20                                    SS1 0.125%                                                                21. Paraquat 0.625 lb ai/A +                                                                        100    100  95   75   50                                    SS1 0.25%                                                                 22. Paraquat 0.625 lb ai/A +                                                                        75     75   70   30   10                                    SS2 0.0625%                                                               23. Paraquat 0.625 lb ai/A +                                                                        80     80   75   50   20                                    SS2 0.125%                                                                24. Paraquat 0.625 lb-ai/A +                                                                        100    100  95   75   50                                    SS2 0.25%                                                                 28. Paraquat 0.625 lb ai/A +                                                                        80     80   60   30   10                                    Complex 0.0625%                                                           29. Paraquat 0.625 lb ai/A +                                                                        80     80   60   30   10                                    Complex 0.125%                                                            30. Paraquat 0.625 lb ai/A +                                                                        90     90   80   60   40                                    Complex 0.25%                                                             31. Untreated control  0      0    0    0    0                                ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE VII                                                       ______________________________________                                                        DAYS AFTER                                                                    TREATMENT                                                                     CONTROL %                                                     Treatments:       3      7      21   42   63                                  ______________________________________                                        1.  SS1 0.25%          0      0    0    0    0                                2.  SS2 0.25%          0      0    0    0    0                                4.  Complex 0.25%      0      0    0    0    0                                5.  Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A                                                                           5     10   50   20   10                                6.  Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A                                                                           5     20   75   40   15                                    SS1 0.0625%                                                               7.  Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A +                                                                         5     25   75   40   15                                    SS1 0.125%                                                                8.  Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A +                                                                        10     50   100  60   25                                    SS1 0.25%                                                                 9.  Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A +                                                                         5     15   70   30   15                                    SS2 0.0625%                                                               10. Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A +                                                                         5     20   70   30   15                                    SS2 0.125%                                                                11. Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A +                                                                        10     50   100  60   25                                    SS2 0.25%                                                                 15. Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A +                                                                         5     15   60   25   10                                    Complex 0.0625%                                                           16. Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A +                                                                          5    15   65   30   10                                    Complex 0.125%                                                            17. Glyphosate 1.0 lb ai/A +                                                                         5     45   90   50   20                                    complex 0.25%                                                             18. Paraquat 0.625 lb ai/A                                                                          50     50   30   10    5                                19. Paraquat 0.625 lb ai/A +                                                                        60     60   40   20                                         SS1 0.0625%                                                               20. Paraquat 0.625 lb ai/A +                                                                        75     75   50   30    5                                    SS1 0.125%                                                                21. Paraquat 0.625 lb ai/A +                                                                        100    100  80   50   10                                    SS1 0.25%                                                                 22. Paraquat 0.625 lb ai/A +                                                                        55     55   40   20    5                                    SS2 0.0625%                                                               23. Paraquat 0.625 lb ai/A +                                                                        65     65   45   25    5                                    SS2 0.125%                                                                24. Paraquat 0.625 lb ai/A +                                                                        100    100  80   50   10                                    SS2 0.25%                                                                 28. Paraquat 0.625 lb ai/A +                                                                        50     50   40   15    5                                    Complex 0.0625%                                                           29. Paraquat 0.625 lb ai/A +                                                                        55     55   45   25    5                                    Complex 0.125%                                                            30. Paraquat 0.625 lb ai/A +                                                                        90     90   60   40    5                                    Complex 0.25%                                                             31. Untreated control  0      0    0    0    0                                ______________________________________                                    

The data shown in Tables VI and VII show that none of these surfactantswere phytotoxic to weeds by themselves. The SS1 formulation appeared tobe better than SS2 with Roundup, but all surfactants were equallyeffective with Paraquat. In all cases, the concentration of 0.25% wasmore effective than the 0.0625% or 0.125%. Both SS1 and SS2 with bothRoundup and Paraquat provided control at 0.25% concentration for Bahiagrass as well as for Broadleaf weeds. Since Bahia grass is perennial,control was higher at the end of the test (63 days) than for Broadleafweeds. Because Broadleaf weeds are annuals, once the existing weeds werekilled, new weeds emerged and the rating dropped to reflect the presenceof this new growth.

As is seen from the tables, the inventive wetting agents were at leastas effective as and in many instances more effective in enhancingherbicide activity as compared to the comparative compound. Similarresults were obtained when the inventive surfactants were utilized withthe following formulations: ultra low volume sulfonylurea type activesusing Pinnacle (25DF), Classic (25DF), Reflex (2LC) (Fomesafen) and alsowhen compared to wetting agents such as Activate plus, Plex andSilicone. See Table VIII for formulations and rates used. In eachinstance, the inventive wetting agent was at least comparable to and insome instances superior to the comparative wetting agent in enhancingformulation effectiveness.

                  TABLE VIII                                                      ______________________________________                                        COMMERCIAL FORMULATIONS & RATES USED                                          Commercial                           Rate                                     Formulation                                                                            Table   Active Ingredient                                                                          Conc.  applied                                  ______________________________________                                        Glyfosinate                                                                            III,    Ammonium     2 lbs  0.5                                               IV      (3 amino-3-  Emulsifi-                                                                            lb/acre                                                   carboxypropyl)-                                                                            able   or 0.5                                                    methyl       concen-                                                                              lb/20                                                     phosphinate  trate/ gal                                                                    gal                                             Fluazifop-                                                                             III     Butyl 2[4-(5-                                                                              2 lbs  0.25                                     p-butyl          trifluoro methyl-                                                                          Mulsifi-                                                                             lb/acre                                                   2-pyridyloxy)                                                                              able   or 0.25                                                   phenoxy]     concen-                                                                              lb/20                                                     propionate   trate/ gal                                                                    gal                                             Glyphosate                                                                             VI,     Isopropylamine                                                                             4 lbs  1.0                                               VII     salt of N-   Liquid lbs/acre                                                  phosphono    Concen-                                                                              or 1                                                      methyl glycine                                                                             trate/ lb/20                                                                  gal    gal                                      Paraquat IV, V   1:1-Dimethyl-4,4.sup.1 -                                                                          0.625                                                     Bipyridinium        lb. acre                                                  dichloride          or                                                                            0.625                                                                         lb/20                                                                         gal                                      Pinnacle --      Methyl 3[[4- 25%    0.25                                                      methoxy-6-   Dry    oz. per                                                   methyl-      flowable                                                                             acre                                                      1,3,5-triazine-2-yl)                                                                              0.25 oz                                                   amino-carbonyl]     in 20                                                     amino sulfonyl] -2- gal                                                       thiophene                                                                     carboxylate                                                  Classic  --      2-(([4-chloro-6-                                                                           25%    0.25 oz                                                   methoxy pyrimi-                                                                            Dry    acre                                                      dine-2yl)    flowable                                                                             0.25 oz                                                   amino carbonyl]                                                               amino-sulfonyl      in 20                                                     benzoic acid,       gal                                                       ethyl ester                                                  Reflex   --      5-[2-chloro-4-                                                                             2 lbs  0.03125,                                                  (trifluoro-methyl)                                                                         Liquid 0.0625,                                                   phenoxy]-N-  concen-                                                                              0.125                                                     (methyl-     trate/gal                                                                            and                                                       sulfonyl)-2-        0.25                                                      nitrobenza-mide     LAS/arce                                                                      or in                                                                         120 gal.                                 ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE IX                                                        ______________________________________                                        COST PERFORMANCE DATA                                                                            Active                                                                              Wetting                                                                 Conc. time                                                                    (%)   (Sec.)                                               ______________________________________                                        Pulse (Silwett L-77) 0.3      4                                               Recommended Concentration:                                                                         0.15     7                                               (0.03%-0.3%)         0.1     11                                                                    0.06    18                                                                    0.03    36                                               SA1 Formulation      0.5     <1                                               Recommended Concentration:                                                                         0.3     <1                                               (0.06%-0.5%)         0.15     2                                                                    0.1      4                                                                    0.06    35                                               ______________________________________                                    

Utilizing the inventive formulations, various herbicides and pesticidescan be applied at low costs with high effectiveness.

Referring to Table IX, cost performance for the inventive formulation incomparison to commercially available formulation can be calculated. Forexample, at 0.3%, the inventive formulation is approximately 1/2 thecost of the commercial material, and achieves a quicker wetting time.For example, using 0.1% of the inventive wetting agent yields the samewetting time as 0.3% of the comparable material. Generally, from0.05-1.0% of the inventive formulation is added to the activeingredient, preferably 0.06-0.5% and most preferably 0.2-0.4%.

EXPERIMENT 3

A modified Draves wetting test was conducted with a 0.7 gram cottonskein, and 0.9 gram weight. A comparison was made between the inventiveformulations SA1, SA2, SS1, SS2, modified SA1, modified SA2, modifiedSS2, commercial formulations using Activate Plus, nonoxynol-9 and Pulseaccording to modified ASTMD 2281-68; 15.04 (1990) Draves wetting test.

                                      TABLE X                                     __________________________________________________________________________    Concentrations %                                                                       Wetting time in seconds                                              Product  0.01                                                                              0.05                                                                              0.075                                                                             0.1                                                                              0.15                                                                             0.2                                                                              0.25                                                                             0.3                                                                              0.5                                                                              0.6                                                                              0.75                                                                             1.0                              __________________________________________________________________________    SA1      >1 hr                                                                             >1 hr                                                                             >1 hr                                                                             21.9                                                                             5.53                                                                             3.0                                                                              0  0  0  0  0  0                                SA2      >1 hr                                                                             >1 hr                                                                             49  28 5.5                                                                              3.3                                                                              2.0                                                                              0  0  0  0  0                                SS1      >1 hr                                                                             >1 hr                                                                             441 27.5                                                                             5.9                                                                              3.0                                                                              0  0  0  0  0  0                                SS2      >1 hr                                                                             >1 hr                                                                             >1 hr                                                                             20 5.0                                                                              3.0                                                                              0  0  0  0  0  0                                Modified SA1                                                                           >1 hr                                                                             >1 hr                                                                             15.80                                                                             94.4                                                                             11.0                                                                             8.0                                                                              4.7                                                                              4.0                                                                              0  0  0  0                                Modified SA2                                                                           >1 hr                                                                             >1 hr                                                                             122 49.6                                                                             15.5                                                                             10.0                                                                             5.5                                                                              4.0                                                                              3.3                                                                              0  0  0                                Modified >1 hr                                                                             >1 hr                                                                             127 50.0                                                                             15.3                                                                             10.3                                                                             6.5                                                                              4.2                                                                              3.1                                                                              0  0  0                                SS2                                                                           Activate Plus                                                                          >1 hr                                                                             408 116 79.0                                                                             38.7                                                                             27.0                                                                             21.7                                                                             19.3                                                                             13.3                                                                             12.0                                                                             9.9                                                                              8.4                              Nonoxynol-9                                                                            >1 hr                                                                             35  --  13.0                                                                             -- 4.0                                                                              4.0                                                                              4.0                                                                              2.0                                                                              2.0                                                                              2.0                                                                              1.0                              Pulse    420 103 --  7.0                                                                              -- 4.0                                                                              3.0                                                                              3.0                                                                              2.0                                                                              2.0                                                                              2.0                                                                              1.0                              __________________________________________________________________________

Table X shows the wetting time of test materials at variousconcentrations. Tests were discontinued if the wetting time exceeded onehour. From the results, it is seen that the inventive formulations arein many instances comparable to, if not better than, the comparativecompounds.

Utilizing the inventive surfactant in a herbicide or pesticideformulation promotes and increases wetting with reduced cost.Consequently, the inventive formulations are considered an advance inthe art.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes or modifications could be made without varying from thescope of the present invention. For example, it is expected thatoptional ingredients, such as non-ionic surfactants, may additionally becombined with the wetting agents of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A water base wetting agent for pesticide andherbicide formulations consisting essentially of 33 to 90% C₆ -C₂₀N-alkyl substituted lactam, 8 to 16% anionic surfactant and water. 2.The wetting agent of claim 1 wherein the alkyl lactam is of thefollowing Formula I: ##STR3## Where m=3, 4, 5 and n 6-20.
 3. The wettingagent of claim 1 wherein the alkyl substituted lactam is a pyrrolidoneof the following formula: ##STR4## where n=6-20 (branched or linear),R', R" and R'" are H, lower alkyl, alkoxyl cycloalkyl, or aralkyl. 4.The wetting agent of claim 3 wherein the pyrrolidone is from the groupconsisting of N-octyl-2 pyrrolidone, N-isooctyl pyrrolidone,N-dodecyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-octadecyl-2-pyrrolidone and mixtures thereof.5. The wetting agent of claim 1 wherein the anionic surfactant is analkali metal salt of C₈ -C₂₂ aliphatic surfactants.
 6. The wetting agentof claim 1 wherein the anionic surfactant is from the group consistingof sodium dodecyl sulfate, sulfonate, alkali metal salts of alkylaromatic sulfonates, sulfates, and ethoxylated versions thereof.
 7. Thewetting agent of claim 1 wherein the anionic surfactant is sodiumdodecyl sulfate.
 8. The wetting agent of claim 1 wherein from 35-65% ofthe alkyl substituted lactam is present.
 9. The wetting agent of claim 1wherein from 39-55% of the alkyl substituted lactam is present.
 10. Thewetting agent of claim 1 wherein from 10-14% anionic surfactant ispresent.
 11. The wetting agent of claim 1 further comprising aneffective amount of a solvent for promoting homogeneity.
 12. The wettingagent of claim 11 wherein the solvent is N-methyl pyrrolidone.
 13. Thewetting agent of claim 11 wherein from about 1 to about 20% of thesolvent for promoting homogeneity is present.
 14. The wetting agent ofclaim 1 further comprising an effective amount of a water solublesticking agent.
 15. The wetting agent of claim 14 wherein from about 1to about 5% of the water soluble sticking agent is present.
 16. Thewetting agent of claim 14 wherein the water soluble sticking agent is avinyl pyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer.
 17. The wetting agent ofclaim 14 wherein the water soluble sticking agent is a graft polymer ofpolyvinyl pyrrolidone containing butene.
 18. A method for treatingplants comprising:providing a water based wetting agent consistingessentially of 33-90% C₆ -C₂₀ N-alkyl substituted lactam, 8 to 16%anionic surfactant, and water; adding from 0.05 to 1% of the wettingagent to an aqueous pesticide or herbicide formulation and, contactingthe admixed formulation with the plants.